His production technique might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Robert John ‘Mutt’ Lange has overseen many classic albums.

AC/DC and Def Leppard (inset) are just two of the bands to have benefitted from Mutt Lange’s production magic.

GETTY x2

Synonymous with the high polish of Def Leppard and the filthy boogie of AC/DC during their 80s career peaks, Robert John ‘Mutt’ Lange (the nickname comes from his childhood) has been described, appropriately, as the James Cameron of rock producers. But delve deeper into his CV and you might be surprised to find that the reclusive South African-born producer began his career with R&B pub rockers Graham Parker, The Motors and The Rumour, prog-pop group City Boy, country bands Clover and Outlaws, and blues rockers Savoy Brown.

Apart from having technical prowess, what separates a good producer from a great one is the same as what makes a great manager: one that encourages, inspires and develops those around them to perform even better. A talented bass player and a trained singer, Lange is an accomplished musician, and therefore well-placed to understand and respect the mind-set of his protégés. As such, Def Leppard and AC/DC took him to their hearts. For both bands, Lange produced the best-selling albums of their careers, both following their respective tragedies.

Leppard bassist Rick Savage considers Lange a genius, while guitarist Phil Collen credits him with improving his playing when he joined during the recording of Pyromania. “When I met Mutt, my playing changed – as a producer he makes you play a lot better,” said Collen. “He does that to everyone he works with.”